Eat Central is set to close on 25 March for a 12-week refurbishment that will see it transformed into a vibrant, flexible venue with a new food court-style feel.

The redevelopment will include a number of exciting sustainable touches in keeping with Sussex’s ambition to become one of the most sustainable universities in the world.

From upcycling existing furniture and giving away old items to sourcing environmentally friendly fabrics, the whole redesign has a sustainable ethos at its heart. Read on to find out more…

Keeping it green

When we asked our campus community about their views on catering at the end of 2022, most people were either concerned (40%) or very concerned (22%) about the environmental impact of the catering industry. Serving local food, offering recyclable or compostable takeaway materials, and serving sustainable products like fair trade coffee were factors regularly considered by both staff and students.

We’ve poured that feedback into the design for the new-look eatery. The new worktops in Eat Central are made of recycled offcuts, for example, while the upholstery fabric is 100% recycled, with one set of seating covered in fabric made entirely from recycled bottles. Tabletops will be made from waste wood sourced from trees felled in the UK and re-purposed; ceiling baffles are also made from 100% recycled plastic bottles.

As the artist’s impression above shows, there will be steps taken to tackle food waste with a number of bins to help diners separate out waste, including coffee cups and lids; video screens above will help to inform and educate diners on food waste targets. All food and compostable packaging will be sent to our aerobic digester which we installed in March 2020 in a UK first for a higher education institution; the bio processor turns food waste, plate waste, takeaway cutlery and containers into fertiliser for our biodiverse campus.

Find out more about how our catering partners are building a sustainable future, including partnering with Too Good to Go and Olio.

Help us to give furniture a new home

A number of items, including cups, plates, glasses and trays, are free to a good home, as are many of the existing tables and chairs – please contact Sandra Juan-Delgado, Sustainability Manager for Sussex Uni Food, at sandra.juandelgado@compass-group.co.uk if you are interested.

Some furniture will be rehomed in Dine Central while crockery is being reused in other cafes across campus.

Any items that aren’t fit to be rehomed will be given to SEF for recycling. This page has more information about how to sign up to WarpIt so we can all help to rehome furniture in the future: Waste and Recycling : Services : Sussex Estates and Facilities : Schools and services : University of Sussex

Working with local vendors and suppliers

Our catering partners will continue to invite independent local and regional vendors for pop-ups to bring the best local and seasonal produce to campus when Eat Central reopens.

In addition, they are proud to work with local suppliers to support the local community including Munneries (fruit and vegetables), Blakes Meats, Brighton and Newhaven Fish Sales, Redroaster, EF Bakeries and Life Water: at least 20% of products, including fresh produce, comes from these suppliers.

What happens while Eat Central is closed

The campus’ main eatery will be shut for 12 weeks for a complete revamp but pop-ups and alternatives will be in place for staff, students and visitors.

If you’re wondering where to eat while Eat Central is closed, you can find a full list of alternatives in this earlier article.

You can also visit Where to eat : Food and drink on campus : ... : About us : University of Sussex

Have your say in our catering partners’ food attitudes survey for the chance to win free lunches, coffees, reusable cups and much more.